STJEFEIT.] 



THE HORSE, AND 



[mallendees. 



a horse is suffered to drink immoderately of 

 cold water when in a violent perspiration, and 

 the blood, consequently, in the highest degree 

 of circulation. 



The shock nature sustains by this revulsion 

 may be easily imagined. The blood, when in 

 its greatest velocity, is instantaneously checked 

 by the sudden application of cold to the 

 stomach. The stomach and skin having an 

 intimate sympathy, the pores of the latter 

 become, as it were, instantly plugged up, when 

 serous parts of the blood, which extravasates 

 itself, and, by an effort of nature, is propelled 

 to the skin for transpiration, is obstructed, and 

 has its passage to the surface absolutely pre- 

 vented, and rendered impracticable. Thus 

 fixed, it becomes united with the perspirable 

 matter already confined there — forming a 

 morlid combiuation — and is, in the course of 

 time, compelled, by the progress of internal 

 inflammation, to make its way through the 

 skin, upon which it, at last, appears in a variety 

 of forms, assuming distinct degrees of malig- 

 nancy, according to the state, habit, and consti- 

 tution of the subject at the time of attack. 



In treating for this disease, first remove cu- 

 taneous obstruction, correct the acrimonious 

 state of the blood, and gently quicken the circu- 

 lation. The better to gain this object will be 

 to take away a moderate portion of blood, 

 about three quarts, that the impetus may be 

 encouraged ; open the body with warm bran 

 mashes; and according to the mildness or inve- 

 teracy of its appearance, give — as the case may 

 require — either two or three of the following 

 purging balls, allowing sufficient time between 

 each dose, and exerting more than usual pre- 

 caution on account of avoiding cold ; for 

 although this quantity of mercury will be 

 remarkably gentle in operating, and may be 

 administered with the greatest safety and 

 effect ; still great care is required in all cases 

 where this mineral is given, whether to man or 

 beast. 



Barbadoes Aloes 6 drachms. 



Calomel 1 do. 



Ginger 1 do. 



Soft soap, sufficient to form the ball. 



After the course of physic has been regularly 

 gone through, let strict attention be paid to 

 the directions set down relative to food, dress- 

 ing, and water. In three days after the last 

 190 



dose of physic, begin with the following course 

 of alterative powders : — 



Antimony, powdered 1 lb. 



Sulphur . . 1 do. 



Cream of Tartar 4 oz. 



These are to be well mixed together, and 

 divided into twelve equal parts, giving one 

 every night with a feed of corn ; which, being 

 first sprinkled with water, the powders will 

 adhere to it, and ensure their consumption. 

 A handful of chaff is excellent to make the 

 powders adhere. "Whilst giving the alteratives, 

 occasionally give an ounce of nitre in the 

 morning water. 



Should any trifling eschars, scabs, or exco- 

 riations prove obstinate upon any part of the 

 body, they may be washed with a solution of 

 zinc. 



Zinc 1 oz. 



Boiling Water 6 „ 



Dissolve the zinc in the boiling water, and 

 apply to the sores, with a small piece of 

 sponge. This must be continued until the sores 

 are healed. 



MALLENDERS. 



These are cracks, situated directly on the back 

 part of the knee-joint ; occasioned, in general, 

 more by neglect in grooming, than by any 

 casual or constitutional defect in the subject. 

 The matter they discharge is, in some cases, 

 thin, and of an acrimonious nature. In others, 

 it forms a kind of glutinous discharge, and 

 makes an appearance of small scabs, or scurfy 

 eschars upon the surface, constituting a want 

 of flexibility, and frequently causing consider- 

 able lameness. The first thing to be done is, 

 to have the parts well washed with soft soap 

 and warm water ; repeating the washing night 

 and morning, till the eschars relax from their 

 rigidity, and separate of themselves. This 

 will be considerably promoted by rubbing in 

 lightly, after each washing, a small quantity of 

 hog's lard, which will loosen the scabs, and 

 cause them to fall off much easier when 

 washed. 



As soon as the cracks are perfectly free 

 from scabs or scurf, apply the following oint- 

 ment :■ — • 



Strong Mercurial Ointment . . 1 oz. 



Hog's Lard 1 ». 



Gunpowder, finely powdered . 4 drachms. 



